Adjusting The Chain Tension; Chain Maintenance - Ryobi RCS5145N User Manual

15. Release the tip of the guide bar and turn the chain
tensioning screw (M) 1/2 turn clockwise. Repeat this
process until sagging does not exist.
16. Hold the tip of the guide bar up and tighten the bar
mounting nuts (B) securely.
The chain is correctly tensioned when there is no sagging
on the underside of the guide bar, the chain is snug, but
can be turned by hand without binding. Ensure that the
chain brake is not set.
NOTE: If chain is too tight, it will not rotate. Loosen the
bar nuts slightly and turn the tension adjuster 1/4 turn
anticlockwise. Lift the tip of the guide bar up and retighten
the bar nuts securely. Ensure that the chain will rotate
without binding.

ADJUSTING THE CHAIN TENSION

See figure 48 - 50.
Never touch or adjust the chain while the motor is
running. The saw chain is very sharp. Always wear
protective gloves when performing maintenance on the
chain.
1. Stop the engine before setting the chain tension.
2. Make sure the guide bar mounting nuts are loosened
to finger tight and turn the chain tensioning screw (M)
clockwise to tension the chain.
NOTE: A cold chain is correctly tensioned when there
is no slack on the underside of the guide bar, the chain
is snug, and it can be turned by hand without binding.
3. Re-tension the chain whenever the flats on the drive
links hang out of the bar groove.
NOTE: During normal saw operation, the temperature
of the chain increases. The drive links of a correctly
tensioned warm chain will hang approximately
1.25 mm (0.05 inch) out of the bar groove. To help
determine the correct warm chain tension, the tip of
the combination wrench (C) can be used as a guide.
NOTE: New chain tends to stretch. Check the chain
tension frequently and tension as required.
A chain tensioned while warm may be too tight upon
cooling. Check the "Adjusting the chain tension" before
next use.
English (Original Instructions)
WARNING
CAUTION

CHAIN MAINTENANCE

See figure 51 - 52.
Check that the switch is in the STOP "O" position before
you work on the saw.
Use only a low-kick-back chain on this saw. This
fastcutting chain provides kick-back reduction when
properly maintained.
For smooth and fast cutting, maintain the chain properly.
The chain requires sharpening when the wood chips are
small and powdery, the chain must be forced through the
wood during cutting, or the chain cuts to one side. During
maintenance of the chain, consider the following:
1. Improper filing angle of the side plate can increase the
risk of a severe kick-back.
2. Raker (depth gauge) clearance (A).
– Too low increases the potential for kick-back.
– Not low enough decreases cutting ability.
If the cutter teeth hit hard objects such as nails and
stones, or are abraded by mud or sand on the wood,
have a service dealer sharpen the chain.
NOTE: Inspect the drive sprocket for wear or damage
when replacing the chain (B). If signs of wear or
damage are present in the areas indicated, have the
drive sprocket replaced by a service dealer.
SHARPENING THE CUTTERS
See figure 53 - 56.
Parts of a cutter
(A) Cutting corner
(B) Side plate
(C) Depth gauge
(D) Toe
Be careful to file all cutters to the specified angles and to
the same length, as fast cutting can only be obtained when
all cutters are uniform.
1. Wear gloves for protection.
2. Tension the chain prior to sharpening.
NOTE: Refer to "Maintenance – adjusting the chain
tension" earlier in this manual.
3. Use a 4 mm (5/32 inch) diameter round file and holder.
Do all your filing at the midpoint of the bar.
4. Keep the file level with the top plate of the tooth. Do
not let the file dip or rock.
5. Using light but firm pressure, stroke towards the front
corner of the tooth.
13
WARNING
(E) Gullet
(F) Heel
(G) Rivet hole
(H) Top plate